Google may partner with Xiaomi on new Android One device

One of the interesting global markets that exists in the world is India although it is somewhat mirrored by other Asian countries like Indonesia. What makes India unique is high demand for technology in the form of smartphones, but an economy that makes the low-end of the market the sweet spot for sales. To try to capitalize on that, Google launched their Android One initiative a few years ago to somewhat replicate the success of their combination of hardware and software in the Nexus line of devices. That never really materialized as a successful project. Meanwhile, Xiaomi did manage to produce and successfully market devices to the Indian market. New reports indicate these two companies may be joining together to work on a new Android One device.

For Xaiomi, one of the big criticisms they seem to get hit with is the MIUI interface that they lay on top of Android on their devices destined for consumers. Like so many other manufacturers, there is a segment of potential buyers that would much prefer a pure Android experience. Part of this is driven by a desire to get around some of the items that MIUI messes up, but another part is a desire to get access to quicker updates, whether it is security updates or significant releases to the operating system.

According to sources, the new device will likely be somewhat based on the Xiaomi Mi 5X and will be equipped with a Snapdragon 625 processor. That would seem to put the device at a much higher market segment than what one would expect for a typical Android One based smartphone. Those typically clock in at under $250, although Xiaomi’s super popular Redmi Note 4 straddles that price point and sells out every time a flash sale is held.

According to those following this development, some potential names for the new device include the Xiaomi A1 or the Xiaomi Tissot, so we will keep our eyes open for references to these devices to see if Xiaomi and Google are able to successfully partner on a new Android One device.

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a MINI Cooper, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three mostly grown kids and a golden retriever.